First things first. The band, Eddie from Ohio is not from Ohio, but from Virginia. And yes, there’s an Eddie in the band, but he’s not from Ohio. But that hasn’t stopped the four members of the band from playing together since 1991. The connections between this group go back to their college and high school days — and after years of playing bars, concerts and other gigs in Virginia, they’ve got quite a fan base that they occasionally invite to join them on tours.
Right now, Eddie from Ohio and a group of fans are on a cruise through Southeast Alaska. On Thursday afternoon, the band will disembark from the ship and play in Juneau.
Rhonda McBride talked with Robbie Schaefer on Tuesday, while he was on board a ship headed to Sitka. Schaefer is a lead vocalist and guitarist for the group. He not only explains how the band named itself “Eddie from Ohio,” but also tells the story of how they grew together as musicians, performers and songwriters to create a style of music that defies a label.
Also on this program: Sailing with SAIL, Southeast Alaska Independent Living, to raise money for programs that support seniors and others challenged with physical disabilities.
Rhonda McBride hosts Tuesday’s program. You can catch Juneau Afternoon, Tuesday through Friday, live at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO Juneau 104.3. The rebroadcast airs at 7:00 p.m. on KTOO. You can also listen online at ktoo.org.
For more information about Juneau Afternoon or to schedule time on the show, email juneauafternoon@ktoo.org. Please schedule early. The show is often booked one to two weeks in advance.
Part 1: Eddie from Ohio's eclectic sound and style.
Guests: Robbie Schaefer, vocalist and lead guitarist.
Eddie from Ohio will perform a concert in Juneau on Thursday, August 11th at 4:00 p.m. at Tracy’s Crab Shack #2, next to the Coast Guard. The band is on what they’ve billed as a farewell tour. After more than 30 years of working as a full time, touring group, the band has decided it’s time to take a break. Eddie from Ohio started out playing cover tunes but now include a mix of originals that blend folk, rock, acoustic instruments and four-part harmonies.
Part 2: Friday, August 12th: SAIL whale watching cruise.
Guests: Daniel Parks, Southeast Alaska Independent Living, ORCA Juneau Team Leader. Southeast Alaska Independent Living, or SAIL, provides a variety of services to help seniors and others overcome challenges from physical disabilities. Its ORCA program, an acronym for Outdoor Recreation and Community Access, provides adaptive equipment and training, so those in wheelchairs or coping with other disabilities can experience the joys of downhill skiing and other outdoor adventures.
Daniel Parks says the ability to enjoy recreation is an important part of living an independent life, and this Friday’s sunset cruise will help make this possible for those with disabilities.
